Three thousand miles in exile

When Emperor Wen's imperial decree arrived in northern Xinjiang, Qi Yun's army was sending [-] troops to attack Baoping County.

The imperial envoys and officers and soldiers escorting the imperial decree received news of the war on the front line as soon as they stepped into northern Xinjiang. The group of people transitioned at Luming Ferry with apprehension, and what they saw was unexpected.

The imperial envoy was specially placed by Fang Shouting to show Fang Shouting the real northern Xinjiang.

I saw ragged refugees gathering at Luming Ferry. There were big boats going to and from the other side and they didn’t receive any money. When they arrived at the other side, there were guards leading them to register and settle down. There was also a porridge shed where each refugee could receive a bowl of porridge and a piece of miscellaneous grains. cake.

After the refugees had enough to eat, they went to the new village where their household registration was located, or they could choose to join the army, and two taels of pension money would be distributed on the spot.

A group of people left the ferry, and were shocked by the endless fertile fields on the top of Furongping.

The rice fields in the rice fields are full of ears, and there are villages lined up neatly on both sides of the road. The courtyards of each household are the same size. Although the houses are simple in style, they are clean and tidy.

There was an old man sitting on the edge of a field smoking dry cigarettes. The imperial envoy sent people to inquire about everything. Only then did he know that all the new fields were tax-free for two years. The old man worshiped General Qi Yun as a god in words.

Because Liu Zhan was the supervisor of the Chinese army camp in Yangbeiao, the imperial envoy and his party went down to Furongpingding, and there were endless rice fields in front of them.

Passing through Hecang County on the way, Hecang County has changed in just one year. The city walls are all heightened and reinforced, and there are people and business travelers coming in and out. It is hard to imagine that last year it was still in ruins.

After Hecang County, to the north is the Yangbeiao hilly land, where Qi Yunjun leveled a highland to build the Chinese army camp.

At this time, the construction was not yet completed, and Liu Zhan didn't want to wait and ordered the army to station in advance, so besides the houses under construction, there were also large tents in the barracks.

"Report to the general! There are imperial envoys outside the camp asking to see you!"

Liu Zhan was dressed in a red lion official uniform and sat in the middle account holder's seat. Because he didn't like wearing a hat, he put the official hat on the bottom of the box untouched after wearing it once.

When the imperial envoy entered the door, he saw General Qi Yun, whose left hand was bandaged on his chest, and his hair was tied with a cloth belt, but he was imposing and imposing.

The imperial envoy didn't expect General Qi Yun to be so young and was stunned for a moment.

Song Fenglin, who was sitting at the lower right of Liu Zhan, gestured with his eyes, and Liu Zhan reluctantly stood up.

"The front line is fighting and will not be able to meet far away. Please forgive me by the imperial envoy."

The imperial envoy hurriedly said that he didn't dare.

Before he set off, he thought that when he arrived in Northern Xinjiang, he would reprimand him for His Majesty, and he would teach General Qi Yun, who was disrespectful and disrespectful, to know how powerful he was. mouth.

Liu Zhan stood there like this and looked at him before he was fully aroused. The invisible coercion had already made the imperial envoy dare not look up. There was a sense of absurdity in his heart that if this person was unhappy, he would kill him.

However, the imperial envoy was right, Liu Zhan was annoyed that he came at an untimely time.

In this attack on Baoping County, Liu Zhan was injured and did not go to the front line, so he only ordered Cao Zhuang to lead [-] soldiers to attack the city.

Qi Yunjun had besieged Baoping County five days ago, and officially attacked the city today. As a result, the imperial envoy arrived on this day, and Liu Zhan had to be distracted to receive it.

There was a low air pressure in the middle account, Liu Zhan was too lazy to be polite, and his sharp eyes were full of impatience.

The soles of the imperial envoy's feet were weak, no matter how dull he was, he knew that he was not welcome at this time, so he hurriedly started to go through the process and read the imperial edict.

Liu Zhan and Song Fenglin knelt to receive the imperial edict.

Throughout the content of the imperial decree, Liu Zhan was praised in gorgeous rhetoric, without any mention of rewards.

After the imperial decree was announced, Liu Zhan took it with one hand, as calmly as if he was holding a handful of toilet paper.

The imperial envoy was embarrassed.

Liu Zhanhun didn't care and didn't bother to pretend to be false with the imperial envoy. Song Fenglin felt that there was no need to embarrass the imperial envoy, so he took the initiative to stand up and smooth things over.

"The battle on the front line is tight, and the barracks are shabby, so we can't set up an incense table to welcome them. Please don't be offended by the imperial envoy."

The imperial envoy hurriedly said that it doesn't matter, and cleverly found a step for himself. "Your Majesty has to go to the Northern Army Camp to announce the decree. Your Majesty has an order to send troops to support Hanzhong. The military situation is urgent, and the next official is also in a hurry."

Emperor Wen wants to transfer the Northern Army?Liu Zhan became interested for a while.

Song Fenglin asked for Liu Zhan. "May I ask the imperial envoy, which general is this going to transfer?"

The imperial envoy thought it was okay to say it was not a secret. "Your Majesty ordered General Zhang to lead [-] troops back to Hanzhong and join the Qing Army."

Liu Zhan almost laughed out loud, and someone gave him a pillow when he really fell asleep.

No matter how hard life was, Liu Zhan did not move Baoshan. It was precisely because the Northern Army had Zhang Taining, and if Baoshan was moved, Zhou Chan was bound to turn against him. Once turned against, the two armies would face each other.

Zhang Taining is indeed capable of marching and fighting, Liu Zhan dare not take risks, if Zhang Taining leaves, Liu Zhan will have no scruples!

Song Fenglin personally sent the imperial envoy out of the camp, and when he returned to the central account, Liu Zhan was so happy that he picked up Song Fenglin with one hand and continued to kiss him.

"Don't make trouble... your injury... um..."

Liu Zhan didn't care whether he was hurt or not, he was happy in his heart, and when he was happy, he would mess around. It took Song Fenglin a lot of effort to break free from Liu Zhan's grasp. There are red marks.

Song Fenglin glared at him angrily, and hurriedly packed up his clothes to cover up the neckline.

"Ma'am, this northern border is ours." Liu Zhan was overjoyed.

"Don't be impulsive, this matter needs a long-term plan." Song Fenglin understood what Liu Zhan wanted to do.

Liu Zhan hugged his waist happily. "I see."

This matter is good news for Liu Zhan, but it is not good news for Zhang Taining. He has long wanted to leave, but he has no connections to operate.

Since Xu Muyuan left the Northern Army and Zhou Sui became the general of the Northern Army, the Northern Army has become Zhou's private army.

Zhang Taining, an outsider, has no room to speak, Zhou Sui has the final say on everything, and now the imperial decree orders Zhang Taining to return to his hometown and join the Qing army, Zhang Taining only feels that the clouds are clear.

Zhou Sui, including Zhou Chan, hadn't realized what impact Zhang Taining's departure would have on the situation in northern Xinjiang. In the eyes of the master and servant, Zhang Taining was just an insignificant general from a poor family.

At the same time, the war in Baoping County is entering its most intense stage.

Cao Zhuang repeated his old trick, using a trebuchet to throw mud bags under the city wall as footsteps, and then launched a general attack after the two footsteps were formed.

Baoping County was breached that night, and the generals of the Yan Army fled.

So far, Liu Zhan has won the three counties surrounding Yangbeiao, namely Hecang County, Lufeng County, and Baoping County, and has included half of the Cangxia Plain.

Seven days later, Zhang Taining led [-] soldiers and horses to set out, transitioned at Luming Ferry, passed through Daizhou and Cenzhou, and then entered Hanzhong.

On the day Zhang Taining left Northern Xinjiang, Liu Zhan set up a wine table at Luming Ferry to wait for him.

"General Qi Yun." Zhang Taining was very surprised.

Liu Zhan stood with his hands behind his back, dressed in a red official uniform, fluttering in the wind.

"General Zhang, I don't know if I can have a little meeting with you."

Zhang Taining dismounted immediately. "General Qi Yun is so kind, how dare I refuse to obey."

Liu Zhan smiled and made a please gesture.

A tent had already been set up in the open space beside the ferry, and there was a table of sumptuous food and wine inside.

Liu Zhan poured a cup for Zhang Taining and also for himself. "Congratulations to General Zhang for getting out of the cage. I will do it first."

Zhang Taining laughed, he was in a good mood and drank his glass of wine.

"I especially remember that I ate your meal on the top of Furongping back then. The dried wild pork meat was really delicious. I still remember it to this day."

Liu Zhan also laughed, tore off a grilled wild boar rib and handed it to Zhang Taining's plate. "This roasted wild boar has a stronger flavor, General, try it?"

The two talked and laughed in a harmonious atmosphere, not at all like they used to be jealous and suspicious of each other.

Liu Zhan picked up a handkerchief and wiped his hands. "I have a business that trades in Hanzhong, and I didn't leave until the fall of Xixia, so I have a little understanding of Xirong."

Zhang Taining has been trapped in the Northern Army for several years, he knows nothing about the outside world, Liu Zhan took the initiative to mention it, and he immediately listened attentively.

"It is said that the king of Xirong was the son of a slave. He was appreciated by the tribal leaders for his bravery and fighting spirit. leader."

Liu Zhan took a small sip of his wine with a serious look on his face.

"In just three years, the Great Moon King annexed all the barbarians of the Western Regions, and slaughtered every tribe that resisted. After unifying the Western Regions, he went south to attack Xixia, using even more brutal methods, setting fire to every city he passed. Burn down the city, and kill all the people regardless of men, women, or children."

Hearing this, Zhang Taining's complexion became serious.

"Xirong has a large population. Women herd herds and men fight. Men can fight with them as long as they can hold a knife. There is no one who never joins the army. If Xirong has the power of the whole country, it can have millions of troops."

Liu Zhan said seriously: "The territory of Great Chu is vast. There are swallow bandits in the north, Japanese pirates in the south, and Chenliu in the west. The court cares about one thing and loses another, and the Zhou family is stubborn. I'm afraid they can't give much help. We must defend Hanzhong and Xirong for a long time. General Zhang still needs to work hard to mediate."

"Thank you, General Qi Yun, for your kind words." Zhang Taining said sincerely, cupping his fists.

There is something in Liu Zhan's words, which is implying that Zhang Taining has to learn from Qi Yunjun if he wants to stabilize Hanzhong, and he has to rely on himself. If he wants to count on the court to provide food, soldiers and supplies, it is impossible for Zhou to control the court.

After saying that, Liu Zhan stood up and clasped his fists. "It's getting late, don't dare to delay the general, I wish the general a smooth journey and a bright future!"

Zhang Taining's rough face was also a bit moved, he cupped his fists in return. "General Qi Yun loves the people like his son, which is the blessing of the people in northern Xinjiang."

After saying that, Zhang Taining walked down the embankment and boarded the ferry with several confidant generals.

With Zhang Taining joining, Hanzhong should be able to withstand Xi Rong, so Liu Zhan turned and left.

After taking Baoping County, Liu Zhan no longer has any plans to send troops. Now that Lufeng County and Baoping County are in a wasteland, Liu Zhan and Song Fenglin will focus on the rest of the year here.

In the Jinyang County Office, Song Fenglin was in the study to write instructions on the documents. The two secretaries had drawn up countermeasures under the documents according to the previous regulations. Song Fenglin only had to read them and stamp his private seal on them for distribution.

There were no major events recently, and there were fewer red-headed documents, and everything was on the right track. Song Fenglin was not as tired as before.

"Mr. Song, did you call me?" Zhao Liangchen asked respectfully.

Song Fenglin closed the document and looked up. "I recommend you to the general to be the magistrate of Baoping County."

Zhao Liangchen was stunned at first, then he was surprised and delighted. He hurriedly suppressed his excitement and knelt and kowtowed. "Thank you Mr. Song for the promotion!"

"Thank you first." Song Fenglin said in a calm voice.

"Baoping County is the closest to Fanyang Pass occupied by the Yan Army, which is equivalent to the door of our Qiyun Army. If you want to be a good magistrate of Baoping County, in addition to diligence and benevolence, you need to have courage and courage to face the war. "

Zhao Liangchen kowtowed heavily. "The officials have the guts and courage! If the Yan people come to commit a crime, the officials will live and die with Baoping County!"

"Here are your documents, let's go tomorrow." Song Fenglin handed the documents forward.

Zhao Liangchen wiped his tears with his sleeve and took the paper respectfully. He has been promoted, he is the county magistrate. Zhao Liangchen almost lost his footing and fell down the steps when he stepped out of the study with a face full of disbelief.

"Lord Zhao, watch the road carefully." Zhang Xiaoman helped him, turned around and hurried into the study, yelling before he even entered.

"Mr. Song! An incident happened in the morning. People from the Northern Army Camp actually came to our territory to recruit soldiers."

Song Fenglin immediately frowned. "Have you been kicked out?"

Zhang Xiaoman said with a smile: "It's not just to drive them away, the general personally ordered them to have their arms and legs broken and thrown out of the boundary."

As soon as Zhang Taining left, there were only less than 5 people left in Yangguan, and it was an exaggeration for these 5 people to pay 20 in empty pay. Conscript some refugees into the army.

Easier said than done, there is wilderness for 5 miles outside Yangguan Pass, and if you want to recruit troops, you can only go to the south. Zhou Sui is a little afraid of Liu Zhan, but he has to conscript, and he only has less than [-] people. Zhou Sui I panic too.

As a result, Zhou Sui's men stepped into the boundary of Hecang County, and Qi Yunjun's cavalry arrived on the back foot. Those people from the Northern Army Camp were no match, and they were defeated in two or three blows and fled back to Yangguan.

Since then, conscripts from the Northern Army came many times and were beaten away. Zhou Sui was angry and anxious but helpless.

This matter eventually became the stuff of jokes in Jinyang.

This year, there is a severe drought, and even the climate in northern Xinjiang is abnormal. It has already entered autumn, but the weather is still hot.

In the General's Mansion at night, Liu Zhan leaned shirtless on the kang and fanned himself.

Song Fenglin went into the room with the book he was reading before going to bed, but saw Liu Zhansheng slumped on the kang, fanned vigorously against the window, getting hotter and hotter.

"How can it be so hot, catch a cold carefully." Song Fenglin took off his shoes and got on the kang.

"Your husband is going crazy from the heat, so why would he catch a cold?"

Liu Zhan is most afraid of heat, he is reluctant to wear more clothes in midsummer, like Song Fenglin still wraps from neck to toe, Liu Zhan finds it incredible.

"The mind is calm and cool, the more irritable the more unpleasant." Song Fenglin took the fan in his hand and shook it for him.

Liu Zhan muttered in an uncomfortable tone. His left hand was still strapped to his chest. This time, the bone was hurt a little bit, but the wound was almost healed, but the shoulder blade still hurt.

A few days ago, a doctor who specializes in bone setting saw it, and said that it was displaced, and after the bone setting was re-set, the arm had to be suspended for at least a month.

Song Fenglin said softly: "North Xinjiang should be cool at this time in previous years. This year there is a severe drought, and next year the people don't know how hard it will be."

Perhaps Song Fenglin played the fan rhythmically, and Liu Zhan felt more comfortable. When he was free, his craving for cigarettes resumed. He squeezed a small handful of shredded tobacco and stuffed it into the one-foot-long pipe, and took a light puff.

"This year there is a severe drought in the Central Plains, and next year there will be floods in the south." Liu Zhan said with a sigh of relief.

Song Fenglin froze for a moment.

Liu Zhan smiled. "It's a saying passed down by the old man, roughly like this."

The garden outside the window was misty under the moonlight, the sound of insects chirping intermittently, and occasionally the wind blew in with heat, Liu Zhan leaned on the window sill and looked at the starry night sky and took a puff of smoke.

"I want to do it this year."

There is no need to remind the tacit understanding between the two, Song Fenglin will understand what Liu Zhan is referring to.

While playing the fan, Song Fenglin said coldly: "If you do something, Zhou Chan will definitely not die. Although the Northern Army only has 5 people, it is still a variable."

Liu Zhan tapped the ashtray to shake out the ash.

"Don't take Baoshan first, but rob the silver halfway." Liu Zhan stuffed the tobacco again and lit it close to the candle. He took a light puff and exhaled the cigarette.

"The first batch of taxes from Xintian will be harvested in autumn next year. I can't wait. Next year our soldiers are bound to exceed [-]. It's unrealistic to rely solely on taxes from the six counties of Cenzhou and Jinyang. I can't always It’s hard for you to think of a way in the firm every time.”

Liu Zhan knows better than anyone how difficult it is for Song Fenglin to be in charge.

"First take the money for next year's military salary, I will only rob the money and not move Baoshan, until the time is right, I will find a way to follow Zhou..." Liu Zhan drew his pipe and made a gesture of cutting.

"How to deal with the remaining Northern Army?" Song Fenglin asked.

"Keep the young and strong who can be used, and send some money away for those who can't be used." Liu Zhan has long considered whether to stay with the Northern Army.

Song Fenglin nodded. "As long as next year's autumn harvest is over, we will have a surplus in our account."

Liu Zhan laughed. "You have worked hard these past few years."

"Let's not talk about that." Liu Zhan put down his pipe and pulled Song Fenglin over. Every blow of Song Fenglin's wind made Liu Zhan's heart itch, and the itch would naturally be relieved.

Liu Zhan bit his earball and said something shameless.

Under the flickering candlelight, Mr. Song's handsome face flushed red.

The two of them have been together for so many years and they can be regarded as an old couple. Song Fenglin still can't let go of the bed matter.

The etiquette and dogma of this era has been deeply rooted in his soul, and it has not changed even after so many years. However, it is precisely because of this that Liu Zhan can't stop, always changing tricks on the bed to make him blush.

"Close the windows first..."

"No, it's hot."

"No, the guard is in the garden."

Liu Zhan pulled away Song Fenglin's collar and kissed him. "The guards are outside the wall and won't come in."

Song Fenglin was so embarrassed that he couldn't let go of his hands and feet.

"Come." Liu Zhan coaxed softly. "If you're shy, don't take off your shirt."

On the window sill, under the dim candlelight, two shadows overlapped.

Don't look at Liu Zhan's calm and humorous mouth on the surface, but in fact, he himself is too suffocated.

He just loves Song Fenglin's Confucian attitude of looking up to the mountains. Song Fenglin doesn't need to do anything else, just his noble temperament is more effective than anything else.

However, no matter how hard he thought in his heart, the movements in his hands were extremely gentle.

The author has something to say: Thank you for your support!A new chapter will be added at 3 p.m.